Welcome to the SSAT class of… series. We’re looking back at the past 27 years and paying tribute to some of our longest-serving member schools. We hope you enjoy the trip down memory lane and feel free to add your own memories in the comments below or via social media (remember to use #SSATClassOf)!
The year that was 1999…
New Year’s Eve
The world counted down to the beginning of a new millennium. London celebrated at midnight with a huge fireworks display that stretched along several kilometers of the Thames.
Scottish Parliament election
The first election to the devolved Scottish Parliament took place on 6th May. Following the election, the Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats formed the Scottish Executive, with Labour Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) Donald Dewar becoming First Minister.
Putin comes to presidential power
On 31st December, Boris Yeltsin unexpectedly resigns as President of the Russian Federation. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin was immediately appointed Acting President of the Russian Federation and would go on to be inaugurated President on 7th May 2000.
You’ve been living in a dream world, Neo
Starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss and Hugo Weaving, The Matrix hits the big screen on 31st March. It would go on to win four Academy Awards and spawn two sequels – The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions.
Introduction of the euro
While coinage and notes were not to be introduced for another three years, the euro currency was introduced in non-physical form at midnight on 1st January. From this point, all bonds and other forms of government debt by eurozone nations were denominated in euros.
Potter back for third time
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban – the third novel in the Harry Potter series, written by J. K. Rowling – is released on 8th July. A film adaption of the novel was released five years later, grossing more than $796 million.
Manchester United win treble
Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United become the first English team to win the Premier League, the FA Cup and the UEFA Champions League in the same season. Ferguson would be knighted in recognition of his achievements, and was handed the Freedom of the City of Glasgow in November.
SSAT class of 1999
Schools to have joined SSAT in 1999, and still be part of the SSAT network, include:
- Parliament Hill School
- Winifred Holtby Academy
- Notley High School and Braintree Sixth Form
- North Kesteven School
- Sir William Robertson Academy
- Springwood High School
- All Hallows RC High School
- Dronfield Henry Fanshawe School
- George Green’s School
- Withernsea High School
- Thornden School
- Notre Dame High School
- Churchill Academy & Sixth Form
- The King Edward VI School
- Greenford High School
- The John Warner School
- Saint Benedict, A Catholic Voluntary Academy
- Joseph Leckie Academy
- Reepham High School and College
- The Ecclesbourne School.
